It cannot be covered in a few posts but to help you get started top left is a tab, LEARN check that out, and BUILD YOUR TEAM, just for starters; you must know how to underwrite your properties, and local laws.You are in the right place, check out some podcasts and read some books.

Use the enemy method and the search function in local Facebook groups.

Hi Angelica, I would look for a local meetup - there is a meetup section under "build your team" at the top of this site.

I purchased the home from an auction.Talk to a local real estate attorney to go over options (eviction, cash for keys, etc) 

Reach out to your local land use planning and/or zoning department.

This is a "hire someone" but getting someone to look at it before we need to put in an offer is tough in the local market and the contractor we usually use is unavailable do to family issues for the next two weeks.  2) Will it matter which direction the new stairs would run up the second floor in regards to the direction the joists run? 

This includes increasing your income through a better job, and attending local real estate investment groups where you will circulate with other like-minded individuals.  

There are a lot of things to consider, I'm unsure if this is normal for this time of year - other experiences and insight from local investors would be greatly appreciated.  

The local investors say there are a few more insurance companies in the State than a year ago.  

My premise to you would be this:  You can learn almost everything you need to do real estate smart right here on these forums and it talking with other fellow investors (either here, or at your local real estate investment group), or in talking with a real estate focused fiduciary like a CPA.